Cellnex Netherlands expands radio distribution with acquisition of Radio Network Netherlands

Terneuzen, May 15, 2025 – Cellnex Netherlands B.V., which includes Cellnex Broadcast Partners, has officially acquired Radio Netwerk Nederland (RNN), part of N. Silvius Holding (NSH), as of May 15, 2025. With this acquisition, Cellnex Broadcast Partners strengthens its position in the Dutch radio distribution market and takes an important step toward further innovation and stability within the Dutch radio network.

The acquired activities specifically include terrestrial radio distribution services; the production of commercial radio programs and the online distribution NLRadio will remain under the ownership of Nico Silvius. RNN employees will not be transferred and will remain employed within N. Silvius Holding.

The acquisition enables both parties to focus entirely on their core activities. Nico Silvius will concentrate on the production and operation of its radio programs, such as RADIONL, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Additionally, the acquisition allows Nico Silvius to focus on strengthening and continuing regional and national radio services within the Dutch NLCO market in light of the upcoming frequency auction. Meanwhile, Cellnex Broadcast Partners will focus on expanding and improving the radio infrastructure for regional and national broadcasters.

Acquisition of RNN strengthens Cellnex Broadcast Partners’ network

Cellnex Broadcast Partners is carefully integrating RNN’s activities into its network, ensuring that the existing infrastructure, including the recently established networks for NLPO, remains fully intact. This infrastructure for regional and local radio distribution will seamlessly merge into the broader system of Cellnex Broadcast Partners, offering customers enhanced quality, flexibility, and a more robust radio network. Furthermore, this integration leads to economies of scale, enabling customers to benefit from improved cost-effectiveness.

By combining the terrestrial infrastructure, operational advantages also arise, ensuring improved service delivery and increased continuity. The acquisition enhances uptime – keeping transmitters continuously operational – which guarantees stable reception for listeners.

“This acquisition provides direct benefits for our customers,” says Nuno Carvalhosa, CEO of Cellnex Netherlands. “We are strengthening our network, accelerating technological innovations, and improving customer service. It’s not just a step forward for today but also an investment in a future-proof nationwide radio network that will benefit both regional and national broadcasters.”

A mutually beneficial acquisition

The acquisition of RNN aligns perfectly with Cellnex Broadcast Partners’ ambition to play a larger role in the terrestrial distribution of Dutch radio. With the recent appointment of Jens Timmermans as Commercial Director, Cellnex Broadcast Partners brought 20 years of radio industry experience into the company just months ago. Jens Timmermans is enthusiastic about the acquisition: “This step fits seamlessly with our ambition to further innovate and stabilize the Dutch radio market. Nico Silvius has demonstrated with RNN how to deliver excellent services from the heart of the radio world, particularly at the local and regional level. We are excited to add these qualities to our portfolio and ensure that RNN’s existing customers continue to receive the quality and networks they rely on.”

Nico Silvius, owner of N. Silvius Holding, adds: “Thanks to this acquisition, we can fully focus on producing and operating radio, which is crucial with the upcoming frequency auction.”

About Cellnex Broadcast Partners

Since 1979, Cellnex Broadcast Partners has been supporting all radio stations in the Netherlands and Flanders with FM and DAB transmitter parks. As part of Cellnex Netherlands, it serves prominent clients such as Radio 538, NPO, VRT, Qmusic, and various regional broadcasters in the Dutch market. Cellnex Netherlands, part of Europe’s largest provider of wireless infrastructure, supports both mobile networks and the media industry with digital solutions and smart networks. Together, Cellnex Broadcast Partners and Cellnex Netherlands provide innovative, reliable services in the media and telecommunications sectors.

About Radio Network Netherlands and Nico Silvius Holding (NSH)

Radio Netwerk Nederland (RNN) is a Dutch company, founded in 2018, specializing in the design, management, and maintenance of FM and DAB+ broadcast networks. The company is headquartered in Sneek. RNN manages over 80 FM transmitters and provides services to both national and local broadcasters. In addition to FM solutions, the company also supports DAB+ networks. In 2023, RNN was commissioned by Radio4All to build a new, sustainable FM network, featuring energy-efficient transmitters and 16 antenna sites across the Netherlands. With an innovative and customer-focused approach, 24/7 monitoring, and a team of specialized technicians, RNN delivers reliable, efficient, and future-proof radio infrastructures.